Numerical Modeling and Database development for Electrokinetic Dewatering of Ultra Fine Mine Tailings

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Ultrafine tailings (UFT) have low solid content, high water retention and virtually zero shear strength over long period after disposal. Without treatment, the tailings remain in a fluid state in tailings ponds for decades, reducing efficiency of water recycle, generating environmental impacts and causing delays in mine closure.Currently dewatering of UFT is mainly relying on self-weight consolidation. Existing dewatering technologies, such as chemical additives, vacuum filtration and preloading consolidation, have shown limited success in large scale field applications. The proposed research will address challenges facing the mining industry on disposal and reclamation of mine tailings.***The applicant has carried out extensive studies on electrokinetic (EK) dewatering of a wide variety of UFTs from copper, zinc, gold, uranium and oil sand processing. Large quantities of experimental data have been collected on thickening, dewatering, and consolidation by electrokinetics. In the proposed research the applicant and her research team will develop numerical models to simulate large strain consolidation process and physiochemical changes after EK treatment. The deliverables of this research over the 5 year funding period include: (1) large strain consolidation models to simulate electrokinetics and gravitation / surcharge /vacuum combined consolidation and dewatering of ultrafine mine tailings. The analysis will be carried out using computer software Comsol Multiphysics; (2) artificial neural network (ANN) models to predict the physio-chemical responses of ultrafine tailings to electrokinetic treatment, especially due to electrochemical reactions induced cementation effects and pore fluid changes. The analysis will be conducted using ANN software Trajan 4.0; (3) database containing results of EK treatment over a wide variety of geo-materials, with focus on UFTs. The numerical modes will provide much needed foundation for the analysis, design and implementation of EK dewatering ultrafine mine tailings and other geomaterials. ***The proposed projects will provide HQPs opportunities to pursue postgraduate education in the fields of mining, geotechnical and environmental engineering. Two PhD students and two Master students will be supported over the 5-year DG funding period. The trainees will gain knowledge and become experts in EK technology, a multi-disciplinary subject with applications in broad fields. More importantly, they will develop analytical, problem solving, communication, and leadership skills, which will greatly benefit their future careers. ***This research will make significant contribution to the analysis, design and implementation of EK dewatering in UFTs, secure the applicant's position of leading edge research on electrokinetics internationally, and lead to the technical transfer of EK dewatering technology to engineering applications. ********